Celtic (a) SOLD OUT
Atletico Madrid (h) Public sale now  

Internationals:
U21s on TV today 

2025/26:
Korea confirmation

Update:
Bill of rights

Marking a century since a rule change by football's ruling body inspired by his cunning, The Athletic reflect on the genius of Newcastle United's Bill McCracken here

2025/26:
Carabao Cup update

Details of the 2025/26 Carabao Cup have been confirmed, including the week that defending champions Newcastle United will enter the competition.

Due to our European qualification that will come at the Third Round stage, which is split across two weeks - those commencing Monday September 15th and Monday 22nd.

With the Magpies playing their opening Champions League tie during the first of those weeks, their Carabao Cup tie will therefore be in the week commencing September 22nd.

Eddie Howe's side will learn the identity of their Carabao Cup opponents in the draw that follows the completion of Second Round, on or around Wednesday August 27th. 

Carabao Cup Round dates:

P: w/c Mon 04.08.2025*
R1: w/c Mon 11.08.2025
R2: w/c Mon 25.08.2025
R3: w/c Mon 15.09.2025 / 22.09.2025*
R4: w/c Mon 27.10.2025
QF: w/c Mon 15.12.2025
SF1: w/c Mon 12.01.2026
SF2: w/c Mon 02.02.2026
F: Sun 22.03.2026

Reintroduced for 2025/26 is a Preliminary Round, staged in order to rebalance the competition in the light of nine Premier League sides earning byes past the Second Round due to their European involvement.

That will consist of the two clubs promoted from the National League - Barnet and Oldham Athletic - and the teams who finished 21st and 22nd in League Two - Accrington Stanley and Newport County. 

RGR:
Running Mag 

Almost a year to the day that reports of interest from Newcastle in James Trafford appeared, identical claims about the Burnley goalkeeper circulated on Tuesday.

Speculation over transfer talks grew as the 22 year-old 6 foot 6 inch tall native of Cockermouth was on the bench for England in their defeat by Senegal, joining Dan Burn and Anthony Gordon in Thomas Tuchel's squad.

Those reports spoke of Trafford moving to Gallowgate to compete with Nick Pope as first-choice custodian, but whether that's a realistic goal remains to be seen.

With Manchester City as a youngster, Trafford's senior competitive debut came while on loan to Accrington Stanley in August 2021; a further temporary switch then taking him to Bolton Wanderers for an 18 month period.

A £19m move from City to Burnley followed in July 2023 ahead of their Premier League return, playing 28 times in the top flight for the Clarets that season.

Tipped to leave Turf Moor as Burnley returned to the Championship, United failed to complete a deal as PSR obligations blighted their summer 2024 transfer activity. 

Last season saw James keep 29 clean sheets in 45 league outings as Scott Parker's side mounted a successful promotion bid and finished second to Leeds United.

That included a memorable double penalty save against the mackems; Trafford successfully employing mind games to deny Wilson Isidor twice from 12 yards. 

Update:
Bill McKinney RIP 

The death of former Magpie Bill McKinney has been announced, at the age of 88.

Wallsend-born Bill served his apprenticeship as a plater at Swan Hunter Shipyard, playing junior football for both Wallsend Rising Sun and Wallsend St. Lukes.

Completing his national service in the army, Bill was selected for their national XI and joined United during May 1956, playing for their "A" team initially.

Losing out to fellow new arrival Dick Keith in his first season at Gallowgate, Bill had to wait until December 1957 for a first team chance, stepping up from the reserves to play in a 3-3 draw away to Spurs.

Finally becoming a first team regular at right back in the 1960/61 relegation campaign, Bill played in both full back positions and at centre half as unsuccessful promotion challenges were mounted over the next three seasons.

Replaced by David Craig late in the 1963/64 season, Bill featured just twice more ahead of a £2,750 switch to Bournemouth in August 1965 - leaving Gallowgate with eight goals in 95 league and cup games. 

Reunited with Dick Keith at Dean Court 1966 saw him join Third Division side Mansfield Town and he played on at Field Mill for another two seasons. 

A move to Southern Premier League side Wellington Town (who later renamed themselves Telford United) followed, McKinney settling in the Shropshire town of Dawley and remained there after his retirement. 

Released/retained:
Callum comeback 
still a possibility 

Newcastle have confirmed their retained and released player lists, with Jamal Lewis and Lloyd Kelly the only two confirmed departures - the former becoming a free agent and the latter completing a permanent move to Juventus. 

Callum Wilson and John Ruddy remain under contract at Gallowgate until the end of June, United revealing that they "have opened discussions with both players about their futures and new contracts could still be agreed."

Following announcements regarding contract extensions for Dan Burn, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar, the club confirm that an option has been exercised for back-up goalkeeper Mark Gillespie to remain at SJP for a further 12 months.

Six members of the club's Development squad are also exiting: midfield pair Ellis Stanton and James Huntley, attacking duo Jay Turner-Cooke and Josh Donaldson and the Powell twins Harry and Rory - both defenders.

Competition:
Badge winner

The latest designs from Magpin extend his Carabao Cup winner special editions to include Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton posing with the silverware.

The badges are sold in a double pack, in stock now online here and we had a pair to give away, asking which drink became the League Cup's very first sponsor in 1982.  

It was of course Milk (referenced in a TV advert about Ian Rush and Accrington Stanley) and rising like cream to the top and bagging the badges was Chris Gunning.

Update:
Boot winners

Thanks to everyone who supported the recent Wor Flags fundraising raffle for player-autographed football boots.

The winning tickets were purchased by:

Andrew Abrahams 
Dale Carlisle
Shaun Parker

2025/26:
Moving on up

The 2025/26 season Magpie Mover is now on sale via NUFC, with the price fixed at £25 (no concessions).

The ticket covers competitive men's first team games at SJP, allowing one direct return trip via specified public transport within Tyne and wear up to three hours before kick-off to the end of daily service post-match.  

NUFC's launch announcement reveals that Magpie Movers now come as a digital mobile download, although lacking the capability to open ticket barriers. There's no mention of continued availability in an alternative card format. 

For the first time, Magpie Movers can be purchased by Mags+ members in addition to season ticket holders.

Press release here

Old boys:
Comings & goings 

SJP old boys with new clubs/jobs include:

Tom Allan Darlington
Jean-Alain Boumsong Auxerre C
Mark Boyd Carlisle City AM
Lewis Cass Harrogate Town
Stan Flaherty Hampton & Richmond
Oisin McEntee Hearts
John Robertson Ross County AM